Are You Guilty of Hurting Your Car?
For all our talk about how much we love our cars, plenty of us have harmful daily habits that prove otherwise! It's one thing to top up your tank and ensure proper tire pressure, but that doesn't negate all the little mistakes that send your vehicle into an early grave. Let's explore a few things you're probably guilty of doing, and why you should stop.
1. Ignoring Strange Noises
We know it’s tempting to ignore wonky noises. What we don’t know can’t hurt us, right? Well, they may not be hurting you but they’re certainly hurting your vehicle. Don’t leave your car in the lurch when it’s whining for a mechanic’s touch. Not only do those noises alert you to potential problems, but sitting on them for too long puts you and your wallet at risk.
2. Driving on Fumes
Unless you hate your car, don’t drive on an empty tank. It’s not only bad for your anxiety but it doesn’t do your vehicle any favors either—particularly the fuel pump, which needs at least a quarter tank of gas to run correctly. When you have a little gas knocking around in the tank, you can forget about dangerous wear and tear, too.
3. Never Washing It
We love a sparkling car, but proper washing does so much more than keep vehicles clean. To protect paint jobs from rust and harmful outdoor elements, invest in a thorough wash every couple of weeks. (Just try and steer clear of power washing, though.)
4. Weighing it Down
Our poor cars suffer under so much added weight, so try not to overload your vehicle. Though it can vary, manuals should include something called “load-bearing capacity.” It’s exactly what it sounds like—a maximum cargo weight that protects everything from tires to brakes.
Guilherme Stecanella on Unsplash
5. Parking Outside
No, we’re not talking about heightened chances of theft (though that’s also a concern). Leaving cars to bake in the sun or shiver in the winter exposes them to all kinds of harmful elements. Parking in a garage protects you from all that.
6. Driving Over Potholes
We’ve all hit a pesky pothole or two, hearts sinking with worry about our poor tires. While they aren't easily avoided, they’re definitely a well-known hazard to keep an eye out for. Potholes wreak havoc on our tires and suspension, so if you can, try to veer out of the way.
7. Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving doesn't impress anyone, and it definitely won't impress your mechanic when they see your car. Dangerous habits take many forms, too, so it's important you recognize the signs before you fall victim to them. Anything from slamming on the brakes to weaving through traffic damages your engine, tires, and rods.
8. Using the Wrong Tires
The last thing you want is to drive on snowy roads without the right traction—just like you don’t want winter tires on a summer's day. To protect their traction and yourself, always use proper wheels. Your mechanic can guide you on the right time to swap 'em out.
9. Ignoring Proper Maintenance
Our cars deserve as much attention as we do, and that means regular maintenance. We know it’s costly, but it’ll be far costlier to skip scheduled checkups. Everything from oil changes to simple once-overs can save you a headache down the road.
10. Speeding Over Bumps
Speed bumps aren't an invitation to fly down the street. They're there to slow you down, and when you zip over them, you cause just as much damage to your vehicle as a pothole. They'll never sneak up on you, either, so there's no excuse to speed over them!
Robin Jonathan Deutsch on Unsplash
11. Not Driving it Enough
Cars yearn for the road. Vehicles that spend more time in the garage than on the road will likely experience battery issues, flat tires, and even potential leaks. Aim to hit the open road at least once every two weeks.
12. Ignoring Leaks
Speaking of leaks, don’t turn a blind eye to trickling fluids. While it may be something benign, it could also spell serious trouble for you and your vehicle. It won't be free, but that checkup is worth its weight in gold, least of all for your worried mind!
13. Revving Your Engine
It sounds cool in the movies, but leave the engine revving to Vin Diesel. Putting all that stress on your vehicle, especially when it’s cold, causes significant damage. To avoid ruined transmissions and wrecked engines, refrain from doing so.
14. Forgetting About Tire Pressure
We know about winter tires and dreaded nails on the road, but tire pressure is a large part of your car’s health, too. Low air pressure impedes handling, weighs down your vehicle, and can completely destroy your tire. Your ideal pressure is often found on a sticker right inside your car!
15. Ignoring Recalls
Recalls are made for a reason—defective parts put you and your vehicle at risk. Not only that, but they can also hinder resale value down the road. Keep up to date online with any manufacturer statements and don’t put off bringing in your car.
16. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Whether you’re cleaning crumbs off the seats or scrubbing grime off the paint, your car needs the right products. Everyday household items like dish soap or window cleaners often strip paint, leaving you with much bigger issues.
17. Not Letting it Warm Up
Wintertime comes with all sorts of hazards, least of all for your engine. Sidestep any breakdowns by letting your car run for at least a minute before driving anywhere. Despite what you may have heard, you don't need to let it go for any longer than that.
Rico Van de Voorde on Unsplash
18. Ignoring Windshield Cracks
That little windshield crack might not seem like a big deal now, but it’s a disaster waiting to happen. First of all, that crack will likely spiderweb—which comes with its own issues, like higher repair costs and reduced visibility. However, even the smallest crack can cause major safety concerns, like improper airbag deployment.
19. Neglecting Oil Changes
Some people check their oil every few weeks, others like to go every few months. Either way—you need to do it! Putting off this crucial step damages your engine and leaves your car susceptible to more wear and tear.
20. Eating in Your Car
Hang on, what? Surely, that can't be an issue! We know, we know—but believe it or not, eating in your car is pretty ill-advised. Snacking reduces your focus, can lead to spillage, and can even attract animals. It’s best to keep that McDonald’s bag closed until you get home.
